Thank a firefighter

They are ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. They are dedicated, hard-working volunteers who rarely get the recognition they deserve.

And they always put others first.

They are our local, volunteer fire department.

This week is Fire Prevention Week and it serves as the one time a year everyone seems to stand up and take notice of their work and sacrifice.

That is of course unless the unthinkable happens and you are in need of their services — you are certain to notice and appreciate their efforts then.

And sacrifices they make are not just the imminent and real dangers these men and women rush into. There is also the sacrifice of their free time, family time, they make to ensure they are prepared for the worst.

They don’t do it for fame, they don’t do it for the notoriety and they certainly don’t do it for the money.

Our firefighters are pulled to the line of duty partially out of a sense of community, no different than anyone volunteering at a local foodbank or even as a local councillor.

Firefighters around here have to be ready for anything.

Whether it’s a house fire, chimney fire or car fire, our firefighters must be ready to handle everything from marine fires to industrial fires and agricultural fire.

So, next time you see one of our local firefighters, be sure to thank them for their effort, because even though we only dedicate one week a year to them, they deserve our thanks all year round.